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OK...so what are the good points?

Well

Keep in mind, I traded my E60 545 for the M5.

Similar dynamics, etc. So as far as styling, I-Drive, feel etc...I really can't tell I am in a different car if I am simply cruising on the highway.

The best part of the car is the drivetrain, of course. It is very powerful. Like night and day to my 545 (which was a fast car). I also had SMG in my previous car so there is no transition period for me. Yes, the M5 SMG is "sportier", but it's basically the same_****.

A potential problem I see with the M5.....

The fenders are not flared out like the E46 M3, so it looks like to me that someone buying a, say E60 530, could install the M5 front end and the M5 rear end (including fake quad pipes), along with the M5 wheels and even brakes. They could very easily "build" a fake M5, except for the side gills.

Wow, a fake M5 for 1/2 the cost of the real one....99% of the people out there would never know.

Just a thought.

I had hoped that the M5 would have a bit more bling with arched fenders and such. From the side (except for the wheels) it looks like any 5 series. Of course this adds to the stealth of the car but for $90K, it needs to turn a few more heads....or you need to be able to get a little more head driving one...he he.

I'm not saying it's good or bad as there are 2 schools of thoughts. The interior is wonderful...I just saw one at the dealer in black with the aluminum trim and it looked great.

I turned down the M5 as I'm now waiting with my little old M3 for the E90 M3.

Ummm... what are you talking about? (M)

"99% of the people out there would never know" ?!?!
Do you buy a car for you or for others to enjoy?
You can do that with most any car. You can make it look like something it is not.... except you still lack the most important parts... the amazing M engine, better handling, etc.
Many people, myself included, enjoy cars that have abouve average performance, but are understated in appearance. I could really careless if the guy next to me is driving a "fake M5". To each his own. Seems like you are more about the image than anything else.

Totally agree...

Best all around car I have ever driven.

Suspension is incredible.
I love SMG. Although it took almost 1000 miles to get to that conclusion
Engine pulls like a friggen train on NOS, and I'm still only at 5500 rpm
I really like all the adjustability they built into the car. Goes from comfort to canyon carver at the push of a button.

Small Negs:

Small tank... I don't car about the mileage but it would be nice if the tank held more gallons of gas so the range was greater.

If I were more about the image I wouldn't......

have owned a 2002 E46 M3, a 2003 E46 M3, a 2003 E39 M5, and a 2004 E46 M3. The 2004 M3 is still a daily driver...the other 3 M cars are gone. I was already to get a 2006 M5 but decided to wait until year 2. I am #1 on the list for the new E90 M3 coming out in 2007 (hopefully sooner). Usually I debadge my cars as I prefer not to advertise the exact model I drive. The car nuts know the model whether the badge is on or off the car....for the rest of the people, it's a BMW.

If you want to M5 to impress people, then get ...

...the half price jobbie. Most would get it for what the car is all about! A blast!!! I have a M3 and just put a deposit on the M5. I took out the badge from my M3. Consider the Audi S6, only obvious difference is the chrome mirrors. Now, all that said, I do agree, the flared fenders would look great (like the M3).

Well, if you are changing the fenders, then also bring the 'fake' quad pipes a little closer together to give it a more aggressive look(like the M3) . My buddy's grandfather's Caddie has quad pipes :).